High ratio fluid control

ABSTRACT

Examples disclosed herein relate to a dispensing device including a syrup unit which transmits via one or more orifices one or more syrups and water to a dispensing block, a syrup source coupled to the syrup unit which provides the one or more syrups to the syrup unit, a water source which provides water to the syrup unit, and a cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a solenoid valve where the cf valve provides a first range of pressures to the solenoid valve and where the first orifice is coupled to the dispensing block.

REFERENCE

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/506,083, entitled “High Ratio Fluid Control”,filed on May 15, 2017, which is incorporated in its entirety herein byreference.

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a dispensing unit. Morespecifically, to a cf valve functionality that allows for enhanced fluidcontrol.

INFORMATION

The dispensing industry has numerous ways to dispense one or more fluidsand/or gases. This disclosure highlights enhanced devices, methods, andsystems for dispensing these one or more fluids and/or gases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples will be described withreference to the following figures, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the various figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a pressure device.

FIG. 2B is another illustration of a pressure device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a membrane device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a CO2 generating device, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5A is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5B is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5C is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5D is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5E is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5F is another illustration of a dispensing system, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5G is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5H is another illustration of a cf valve, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5I is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5J is an illustration of a cf valve, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, a first dispensing system 100 is shown. The first dispensingsystem 100 includes a syrup source 102, a syrup input line 104, a syrupinput area 108, a first CO2 input area 106, a second CO2 input area 122,a syrup out line 110, a CF Valve 112, a solenoid valve 114, a tubeorifice 116, a check valve/adaptor 118, and a dispensing unit 120.Further, the first dispensing system 100 includes the second CO2 inputarea 122, a purge valve 124, a pressurized vessel 126 with a concentratebag 128, another tube orifice 116, and a second solenoid value 129(which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). In this example, solenoidvalve 114 may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112maintains a relatively constant pressure and/or flow rate. This is amajor advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). Asolenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressure criteriathe solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, a solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a first pressure(e.g., 20 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 60 PSI) has a first cost.Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.8 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.2 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid. The syrup dispensing unit 107 (top left side of FIG. 1) whichhas the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, and thesyrup out line 110 coupled to the dispensing unit. The dispensing unit107 may be electrical, mechanical, pneumatical operated and/or anycombination thereof.

In the first example shown in FIG. 2A, a conventional system 200 isshown. A first solenoid valve 202 has an input source with varyingpressures (e.g., PSI varies from 40 to 60 PSI) and the first solenoidhas a first size and a first cost. The output from the first solenoid202 goes through a tube orifice to a check valve 204 and then to adispensing system 206. In the second example shown in FIG. 2B, a CFValve system 220 includes a CF Valve 224 which has an input source withvarying pressures and an output area with has a constant pressure andflow rate (e.g., 14 PSI) which enters a second solenoid valve 222 wherethe second solenoid valve 222 has a second size and a second cost. Theoutput from the second solenoid 222 goes through a tube orifice to acheck valve 204 and then to a dispensing system 206. In these examples,the second size and the second cost of the second solenoid valve 222 arefar less than the first size and first cost of the first solenoid valve202.

In FIG. 3, a membrane system 300 is shown. In one example, an input froma pump enters a CF Valve 302 which then exits the CF Valve 302 at aconstant pressure and/or flow rate while entering a tube 304. The tubeorifice 304 is surrounded by a membrane 306 which has one or moreelements 308 (which in this example is N2). In this example, the N2enters the fluid passing by the membrane 306 and exits the tube 304 atthe exit area 310 towards the faucet.

In FIG. 4, a CO2 generator 400 is shown. In this example, a gas 402 isdelivered via a tube 412 towards a generator 406. When the gas 402 goesfrom point one 404 and hits the generator 406 and moves to point two 408a mixture 410 is created.

In FIG. 5A, a second dispensing system 500 is shown. The seconddispensing system 500 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup inputline 104, the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, thesecond CO2 input area 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, thesolenoid valve 114, a needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the checkvalve/adaptor 118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the seconddispensing system 500 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the purgevalve 124, the pressurized vessel 126 with the concentrate bag 128,another tube orifice 116, and the second solenoid value 129 (which feedsinto the dispensing unit 120). In this example, the solenoid valve 114may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 maintains arelatively constant pressure and flow rate. This is a major advancementas compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). A solenoid valve cost isrelated to the flow rate and/or pressure criteria the solenoid isdesigned to have as an input. In other words, a solenoid that has to beable to handle varying pressures from a first pressure (e.g., 10 PSI) toa second pressure (e.g., 70 PSI) has a first cost. Whereas, a secondsolenoid that has to be able to handle varying pressures from a thirdpressure (e.g., 13.9 PSI) to a fourth pressure (e.g., 14.1 PSI) has asecond cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In this example, the first cost ishigher than the second cost because the pressure range is larger for thefirst solenoid versus the second solenoid.

In FIG. 5B, a third dispensing system 510 is shown. The third dispensingsystem 510 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup input line 104, thesyrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, the second CO2 inputarea 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, the solenoid valve114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the check valve/adaptor118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the third dispensing system510 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the pressurized vessel 126with the concentrate bag 128, a second CF Valve 514, a second solenoidvalve 512, another tube orifice 116 which feeds into the dispensing unit120). In this example, solenoid valve 114 and/or second solenoid valve512 may be reduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 and/or thesecond CF Valve maintain a relatively constant pressure and flow rate.This is a major advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG.2A). A solenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressurecriteria the solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, asolenoid that has to be able to handle varying pressures from a firstpressure (e.g., 25 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 50 PSI) has a firstcost. Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.7 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.3 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid.

In FIG. 5C, a fourth dispensing system 530 is shown. The fourthdispensing system 530 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup inputline 104, the syrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, thesecond CO2 input area 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, thesolenoid valve 114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, thecheck valve/adaptor 118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, thefourth dispensing system 530 includes the second CO2 input area 122, athird CF Valve 532, the pressurized vessel 126 with the concentrate bag128, the second CF Valve 514, the second solenoid valve 512, anothertube orifice 116 which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). In thisexample, solenoid valve 114 and/or the second solenoid valve 512 may bereduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112, the second CF Valve514, and/or the third CF Valve 532 maintains a relatively constantpressure and flow rate. This is a major advancement as compared toexisting systems (see FIG. 2A). A solenoid valve cost is related to theflow rate and/or pressure criteria the solenoid is designed to have asan input. In other words, a solenoid that has to be able to handlevarying pressures from a first pressure (e.g., 30 PSI) to a secondpressure (e.g., 50 PSI) has a first cost. Whereas, a second solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a third pressure(e.g., 13.6 PSI) to a fourth pressure (e.g., 14.4 PSI) has a second cost(see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In this example, the first cost is higher thanthe second cost because the pressure range is larger for the firstsolenoid versus the second solenoid.

In FIG. 5D, a fifth dispensing system 540 is shown. The fifth dispensingsystem 540 includes the syrup source 102, the syrup input line 104, thesyrup input area 108, the first CO2 input area 106, the second CO2 inputarea 122, the syrup out line 110, the CF Valve 112, the solenoid valve114, the needle valve 502, the tube orifice 116, the check valve/adaptor118, and the dispensing unit 120. Further, the fifth dispensing system540 includes the second CO2 input area 122, the purge valve 124, thesecond CF Valve 514, the second solenoid 512, the pressurized vessel 126with the concentrate bag 128, another tube orifice 116, and a secondcheck valve/adaptor 542 (which feeds into the dispensing unit 120). Inthis example, solenoid valve 114 and/or second solenoid valve 512 may bereduced in size and cost because the CF Valve 112 and/or the second CFValve maintain a relatively constant pressure and flow rate. This is amajor advancement as compared to existing systems (see FIG. 2A). Asolenoid valve cost is related to the flow rate and/or pressure criteriathe solenoid is designed to have as an input. In other words, a solenoidthat has to be able to handle varying pressures from a first pressure(e.g., 10 PSI) to a second pressure (e.g., 70 PSI) has a first cost.Whereas, a second solenoid that has to be able to handle varyingpressures from a third pressure (e.g., 13.9 PSI) to a fourth pressure(e.g., 14.1 PSI) has a second cost (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In thisexample, the first cost is higher than the second cost because thepressure range is larger for the first solenoid versus the secondsolenoid.

In FIGS. 5E-5J, the cf valves are shown. A fluid mixing and deliverysystem comprises a mixing chamber; a first supply line for supplying afirst fluid component to the mixing chamber via a first CF Valve and adownstream first metering orifice; a second supply line for supplying asecond fluid component to the mixing chamber via a second CF Valve and adownstream second metering orifice, with the first and second fluidcomponents being combined in the mixing chamber to produce a fluidmixture; and a discharge line leading from the mixing chamber andthrough which the fluid mixture is delivered to a dispensing valve. Thisdisclosure relates to a system for precisely metering and mixing fluidsat variable mix ratios, and for delivering the resulting fluid mixturesat the same substantially constant flow rate for all selected mixratios. The system is particularly useful for, although not limited inuse to, the mixture of liquid beverage concentrates with a liquiddiluent, and one specific example being the mixture of different teaconcentrates with water.

With reference initially to FIG. 5E, one embodiment of a system inaccordance with the present disclosure includes a mixing chamber 10A. Afirst fluid component, e.g., a water diluent is received via conduit 12Afrom a municipal water source and is supplied to the mixing chamber viaa first supply line 14A. The first supply line includes a first constantflow valve 16A, a downstream needle valve providing a first meteringorifice 18A, the size of which may be selectively varied, and anoptional check valve 20A to prevent reverse fluid flow from the mixingchamber.

The constant flow valve (e.g., CF Valve) includes a housing made up ofassembled exterior components 22A, 24A. The housing is internallysubdivided by a barrier wall 26A into a head section 28A with an inlet30A and base section subdivided by a modulating assembly 34A into afluid chamber 36A segregated from a spring chamber 38A.

The modulating assembly 34A includes and is supported by a flexiblediaphragm 40A, with a stem 42A that projects through a port 44A in thebarrier wall 26A. Stem 42A terminates in enlarged head 46A with atapered underside 48A surrounded by a tapered surface 50A of the barrierwall. A spring 52A urges the modulating assembly 34A towards the barrierwall 26A.

The valve inlet 30A is adapted to be connected to conduit 12A, and avalve outlet 54A communicates with the fluid chamber 36A and is adaptedto be connected to a remote system component, which in the system underconsideration, is the mixing chamber 10A. The valve inlet 30A and outlet54A respectively lie on axes A1, A2 that are arranged at 90° withrespect to each other. Port 44A connects the valve head section 28A tothe fluid chamber 36A. Inlet fluid pressures below a threshold level inthe head section and fluid chamber are insufficient to overcome theclosure force of spring 52A, resulting as depicted in FIG. 5H in thediaphragm being held in a closed position against a sealing ring on thebarrier wall, thus preventing fluid flow through the fluid chamber 36Aand out through the valve outlet 54A.

As shown in FIGS. 5G and 5I, at inlet pressures above the thresholdlevel, the closure force of spring 52A is overcome, allowing themodulating assembly 34A and its diaphragm 40A to move away from thebarrier wall 26A as operating pressure in the fluid chamber 36Aincreases. As fluid exits the fluid chamber, the downstream meteringorifice 18A provides a flow restriction that creates a back pressurewhich adds to the inlet pressure to create a total operating pressure inthe fluid chamber 36A.

If the inlet pressure decreases, the force of spring 52A will urge themodulating assembly 34A towards the barrier wall 26A, thus increasingthe gap between the tapered surfaces 48A, 50A and increasing the flow offluid into the fluid chamber 36A in order to maintain the operatingpressure substantially constant.

A decrease in back pressure will have the same effect, causing themodulating assembly to move towards the barrier wall until flow throughthe port 44A is increases sufficiently to restore the operating pressureto its previous level.

Conversely, an increase in back pressure will increase the operatingpressure in fluid chamber 36A, causing the modulating assembly to moveaway from the barrier wall, and reducing the gap between taperedsurfaces 48A, 50A to lessen the flow of fluid into and through the fluidchamber 36A.

As shown in FIG. 5J, if the back pressure increases the operatingpressure in fluid chamber 36 to a sufficiently high level, themodulating assembly will be moved away from the barrier wall to anextent sufficient to close the gap between tapered surfaces 48A, 50A,thus preventing any further flow through the valve.

Again with reference to FIG. 5E, a second fluid component, e.g., aliquid tea concentrate, is received via conduit 56A and is supplied tothe mixing chamber 10A via a second supply line 60A. Conduit 56A isconnected to a pressurized source of the second fluid component, one nonlimiting example being a pump 58A. The second supply line includes asecond constant flow valve 62A, a downstream second metering orifice 64Ahaving a fixed size, and another optional check valve 66A. The secondconstant flow valve may be of a “straight through” type where the valveinlets and outlets lie on the same axis. The first and second constantflow valves 16A, 22A serve to deliver the first and second fluidcomponents to the mixing chamber 10A at substantially constant flowrates and pressures, irrespective of variations in the input pressuresin the conduits 12A, 56A above the threshold levels of the valves.

The first and second fluid components are combined in the mixing chamberto produce a fluid mixture having a mix ratio governed by the selectedvariable size of the first metering orifice 18A and the fixed size ofthe second metering orifice 64A.

Although not shown, it will be understood that the locations of thefirst and second metering orifices 18A, 64A may be reversed, with theadjustable metering orifice 18A being located in the second supply line60A and the fixed metering orifice being located in the first supplyline 14A. Alternatively, both the first and second supply lines 14A, 60Amay be equipped with adjustable orifices.

A discharge line 68A leads from the mixing chamber 10A and through whichthe fluid mixture is delivered to a dispensing valve 70A. A thirdmetering orifice 72A is provided in the discharge line. As shown, thethird metering orifice is upstream and separate from the dispensingvalve. Alternatively, the third metering orifice may be included as anintegral component of the dispensing valve.

When the dispensing valve is open, the discharge line 68A has a maximumflow rate that is lower than the combined minimum flow rates of thefirst and second constant flow valves 16A, 62A, thus creating abackpressure in the first and second supply lines 14A, 60A downstream oftheir respective constant flow valves. This back pressure adds to theinlet pressures applied to the constant flow valves to maintain thevalves in the operating conditions shown in FIGS. 5G and 5I to therebymaintain a substantially constant pressure and flow rate of the firstand second fluid components being delivered to the mixing chamber.

Any adjustment to the size of the first metering orifice 18A will resultin a change in the flow rate of the first fluid component to the mixingchamber 10A. This in turn will change the backpressure in the mixingchamber and in the second supply line 60A downstream of the secondconstant flow valve 62A, causing an accompanying inverse change to theflow rate of the second fluid component being delivered through thesecond constant flow valve to the mixing chamber, and in turn causing achange in the mix ratio of the mixture exiting from the mixing chamberto the dispensing valve 70A. Although the mix ration is changed, theflow rate of the dispensed fluid mixture will remain substantially thesame and substantially constant.

Closure of the dispensing valve 70A will produce elevated back pressuresin the first and second supply lines 14A, 60A downstream of theirrespective constant flow valves 16A, 62A, causing the valves to assumethe closed settings as shown in FIG. 5J.

In the system embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5F, a third supply line 74Aleads from the first supply line 14A to a second mixing chamber 76A. Thethird supply line 74A includes another adjustable metering orifice 78A.The second mixing chamber 76A is supplied with another fluid component,e.g., a different tea concentrate, via a fourth supply line 80A havingthe same components as the second supply line 60A. The fluid mixtureexits from mixing chamber 76A to another dispensing valve 82A via adischarge line 84A having a metering orifice 86A.

The dispensing valves 70A, 82A may be selectively opened and closed,with constant flow valve 16A acting in concert with the constant flowvalves 62A of either or both supply lines 60A, 74A to maintain theselected mix ratios exiting from one or both mixing chambers 10A, 76A atthe same substantially constant volumes.

In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a syrup unit configuredto transmit via one or more orifices one or more syrups and water to adispensing block, a syrup source coupled to the syrup unit configured toprovide the one or more syrups to the syrup unit, a water sourceconfigured to provide the water to the syrup unit, and a cf valvecoupled to a first orifice upstream of a solenoid valve where the cfvalve is configured to provide a first range of pressures to thesolenoid valve and where the first orifice is coupled to the dispensingblock.

In another example, the dispensing device may further include a checkvalve adaptor coupled to the first orifice downstream of the solenoidvalve. Further, the water may be any fluid including carbonated water.In addition, the dispensing device may include a needle valve coupled tothe first orifice downstream of the solenoid valve. In another example,the configuration of the solenoid valve may change based on the cf valveproviding the first range of pressures to the solenoid valve. The changein configuration of the solenoid valve may reduce a size and/or cost ofthe solenoid valve. In another example, the first orifice may be eitherfixed or adjustable and/or a combination of both when there are morethan one orifice.

In another example, the cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the cf valve may include: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.

In another example, at least one of the one or more syrups is configuredto be selectable. In another embodiment, a dispensing device mayinclude: a syrup unit configured to transmit via one or more orifices atleast one or more syrups, one or more gases, and water to a dispensingblock; a syrup source coupled to the syrup unit configured to providethe one or more syrups to the syrup unit; a water source configured toprovide the water to at least one of the syrup unit and the dispensingblock; and a cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a solenoidvalve, wherein the cf valve is configured to provide a first range ofpressures to the solenoid valve where the first orifice is coupled tothe dispensing block.

In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a firstdispensing unit which includes: a first syrup unit which transmits via afirst group of orifices a first group of syrups and water to adispensing block; a first syrup source coupled to the syrup unit whichprovides the first group of syrups to the first syrup unit; a firstwater source which provides the water to the first syrup unit; and afirst cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a first solenoidvalve, where the first cf valve is provides a first range of pressuresto the first solenoid valve; and a second dispensing unit whichincludes: a second syrup unit which transmits via a second group oforifices a second group of syrups and water to the dispensing block; asecond syrup source coupled to the second syrup unit via a concentratebag which provides the second group of syrups to the second syrup unit;and a second solenoid valve coupled to a second orifice where the secondorifice is coupled to the dispensing block.

The dispensing system may further include a check valve adaptor coupledto the first orifice downstream of the first solenoid valve. Inaddition, at least one of the water sources may be carbonated water.Further, the dispensing system may include a needle valve coupled to thefirst orifice downstream of the first solenoid valve. In anotherexample, the dispensing system may include a second cf valve coupled tothe second orifice upstream of the second solenoid valve. In anotherexample, the dispensing system may include a third cf valve coupled athird orifice upstream of the second syrup unit. In addition, thedispensing system may include a second cf valve coupled to a thirdorifice upstream of the second syrup unit. In another example, thedispensing system may include a check valve coupled to the secondorifice downstream of the second solenoid valve.

Further, the first cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the first cf valve may include: a) a housinghaving axially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.

In another embodiment, a dispensing system may include: a firstdispensing unit including: a first syrup unit which transmits via afirst group of orifices at least one of a first group of syrups, a firstgroup of gases, and water to a dispensing block; a first syrup sourcecoupled to the syrup unit which provides the first group of syrups tothe first syrup unit; a first water source which provides the water toat least one of the first syrup unit and the dispensing block; and/or afirst cf valve coupled to a first orifice upstream of a first solenoidvalve where the first cf valve is provides a first range of pressures tothe first solenoid valve. The dispensing system may further include: asecond dispensing unit including: a second syrup unit which transmitsvia a second group of orifices at least one of a second group of syrups,a second group of gases, and water to the dispensing block; a secondsyrup source coupled to the second syrup unit via a concentrate bagwhich provides the second group of syrups to the second syrup unit; asecond water source which provides the water to at least one of thesecond syrup unit and the dispensing block; and a second solenoid valvecoupled to a second orifice where the second orifice is coupled to thedispensing block.

In another embodiment, a pressure device includes: a cf valve coupledupstream to a solenoid valve; and a check valve coupled downstream ofthe solenoid valve where the cf valve provides a range of pressures tothe solenoid valve.

In another example, the range of pressures is smaller than a secondrange of pressures the solenoid valve would encounter in the absences ofthe cf valve.

All locations, sizes, shapes, measurements, ratios, amounts, angles,component or part locations, configurations, dimensions, values,materials, orientations, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawingsare merely by way of example and are not considered limiting and otherlocations, sizes, shapes, measurements, ratios, amounts, angles,component or part locations, configurations, dimensions, values,materials, orientations, etc. can be chosen and used and all areconsidered within the scope of the disclosure.

Dimensions of certain parts as shown in the drawings may have beenmodified and/or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity of illustrationand are not considered limiting.

While the valve has been described and disclosed in certain terms andhas disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilled inthe art who have acquainted themselves with the disclosure, willappreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to thespecific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, andrights to such alternatives are particularly reserved and consideredwithin the scope of the disclosure.

The methods and/or methodologies described herein may be implemented byvarious means depending upon applications according to particularexamples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented inhardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardwareimplementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented withinone or more application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), digitalsignal processors (“DSPs”), digital signal processing devices (“DSPDs”),programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), field programmable gate arrays(“FPGAs”), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors,electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform thefunctions described herein, or combinations thereof.

Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presentedin terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations onbinary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus ora special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of thisparticular specification, the term specific apparatus or the likeincludes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to performparticular operations pursuant to instructions from program software.Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples oftechniques used by those of ordinary skill in the arts to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm isconsidered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similarsignal processing leading to a desired result. In this context,operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physicalquantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities maytake the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has provenconvenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to referto such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however,that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein,it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussionsutilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,”“determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specificapparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar specialpurpose electronic computing device. In the context of thisspecification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similarspecial purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulatingor transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic ormagnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other informationstorage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the specialpurpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,”“embodiment,” and/or “another example” should be considered to mean thatthe particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combinedin one or more examples. Any combination of any element in thisdisclosure with any other element in this disclosure is herebydisclosed.

While there has been illustrated and described what are presentlyconsidered to be example features, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from the disclosedsubject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of the disclosed subject matterwithout departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore,it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to theparticular examples disclosed.

1. A dispensing device comprising: a syrup unit configured to transmitvia one or more orifices at least one or more syrups, one or more gases,and water to a dispensing block; a syrup source coupled to the syrupunit configured to provide the one or more syrups to the syrup unit; awater source configured to provide the water to at least one of thesyrup unit and the dispensing block; and a cf valve coupled to a firstorifice upstream of a solenoid valve, wherein the cf valve is configuredto provide a first range of pressures to the solenoid valve; wherein thefirst orifice is coupled to the dispensing block.
 2. The dispensingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a check valve adaptor coupled tothe first orifice downstream of the solenoid valve.
 3. The dispensingdevice of claim 1, wherein the water is carbonated water.
 4. Thedispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a needle valve coupledto the first orifice downstream of the solenoid valve.
 5. The dispensingdevice of claim 1, wherein a configuration of the solenoid valve ischanged based on the cf valve providing the first range of pressures tothe solenoid valve.
 6. The dispensing device of claim 5, wherein thechange in configuration of the solenoid valve reduces a size of thesolenoid valve.
 7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the firstorifice is either fixed or adjustable.
 8. The dispensing device of claim1, wherein the cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining asubstantially constant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluidsupply to a fluid outlet, the cf valve including: a) a housing havingaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connectedrespectively to the variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) adiaphragm chamber interposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, theinlet port being separated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall,the barrier wall having a first passageway extending therethrough froman inner side facing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing theinlet port; c) a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cuphaving a cylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing theoutlet port to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the innerside of the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of thecup being spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housingto define a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
 9. Thedispensing device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or moresyrups is configured to be selectable.
 10. A dispensing systemcomprising: a first dispensing unit including: a first syrup unitconfigured to transmit via a first group of orifices at least one of afirst group of syrups, a first group of gases, and water to a dispensingblock; a first syrup source coupled to the syrup unit configured toprovide the first group of syrups to the first syrup unit; a first watersource configured to provide the water to at least one of the firstsyrup unit and the dispensing block; and a first cf valve coupled to afirst orifice upstream of a first solenoid valve, wherein the first cfvalve is configured to provide a first range of pressures to the firstsolenoid valve; a second dispensing unit including: a second syrup unitconfigured to transmit via a second group of orifices at least one of asecond group of syrups, a second group of gases, and water to thedispensing block; a second syrup source coupled to the second syrup unitvia a concentrate bag configured to provide the second group of syrupsto the second syrup unit; a second water source configured to providethe water to at least one of the second syrup unit and the dispensingblock a second solenoid valve coupled to a second orifice, wherein thesecond orifice is coupled to the dispensing block.
 11. The dispensingsystem of claim 10, further comprising a check valve adaptor coupled tothe first orifice downstream of the first solenoid valve.
 12. Thedispensing system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the water sourcesis carbonated water.
 13. The dispensing system of claim 10, furthercomprising a needle valve coupled to the first orifice downstream of thefirst solenoid valve.
 14. The dispensing system of claim 10, furthercomprising a second cf valve coupled to the second orifice upstream ofthe second solenoid valve.
 15. The dispensing system of claim 14,further comprising a third cf valve coupled a third orifice upstream ofthe second syrup unit.
 16. The dispensing system of claim 10, furthercomprising a second cf valve coupled to a third orifice upstream of thesecond syrup unit.
 17. The dispensing system of claim 10, furthercomprising a check valve coupled to the second orifice downstream of thesecond solenoid valve.
 18. The dispensing system of claim 10, whereinthe first cf valve is a regulating valve for maintaining a substantiallyconstant flow of fluid from a variable pressure fluid supply to a fluidoutlet, the first cf valve including: a) a housing having axiallyaligned inlet and outlet ports adapted to be connected respectively tothe variable fluid supply and the fluid outlet; b) a diaphragm chamberinterposed between the inlet and the outlet ports, the inlet port beingseparated from the diaphragm chamber by a barrier wall, the barrier wallhaving a first passageway extending therethrough from an inner sidefacing the diaphragm chamber to an outer side facing the inlet port; c)a cup contained within the diaphragm chamber, the cup having acylindrical side wall extending from a bottom wall facing the outletport to a circular rim surrounding an open mouth facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, the cylindrical side and bottom walls of the cupbeing spaced inwardly from adjacent interior surfaces of the housing todefine a second passageway connecting the diaphragm chamber to theoutlet port; d) a resilient disc-shaped diaphragm closing the open mouthof the cup, the diaphragm being axially supported by the circular rimand having a peripheral flange overlapping the cylindrical side wall; e)a piston assembly secured to the center of the diaphragm, the pistonassembly having a cap on one side of the diaphragm facing the inner sideof the barrier wall, and a base suspended from the opposite side of thediaphragm and projecting into the interior of the cup; f) a stemprojecting from the cap through the first passageway in the barrier wallto terminate in a valve head, the valve head and the outer side of thebarrier wall being configured to define a control orifice connecting theinlet port to the diaphragm chamber via the first passageway; and g) aspring device in the cup coacting with the base of the piston assemblyfor resiliently urging the diaphragm into a closed position against theinner side of the barrier wall to thereby prevent fluid flow from theinlet port via the first passageway into the diaphragm chamber, thespring device being responsive to fluid pressure above a predeterminedlevel applied to the diaphragm via the inlet port and the firstpassageway by accommodating movement of the diaphragm away from theinner side of the barrier wall, with the valve head on the stem beingmoved to adjust the size of the control orifice, thereby maintaining aconstant flow of fluid from the inlet port through the first and secondpassageways to the outlet port for delivery to the fluid outlet.
 19. Apressure device comprising: a cf valve coupled upstream to a solenoidvalve; and a check valve coupled downstream of the solenoid valve;wherein the cf valve provides a range of pressures to the solenoidvalve.
 20. The pressure device of claim 19, wherein the range ofpressures is smaller than a second range of pressures the solenoid valvewould encounter in the absences of the cf valve.